(a) In accordance with 34 Code of Federal Regulations
(CFR), §300.320(c) and §300.520, and Texas Education Code
(TEC), §29.017, beginning at least one year before a student
reaches 18 years of age, the student's individualized education program
(IEP) must include a statement that the student has been informed
that, unless the student's parent or other individual has been granted
guardianship of the student under the Probate Code, Chapter XIII,
Guardianship, all rights granted to the parent under the Individuals
with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Part B, other than the right
to receive any notice required under IDEA, Part B, will transfer to
the student upon reaching age 18. Beginning with the 2018-2019 school
year, the IEP must also state that the student has been provided information
and resources regarding guardianship, alternatives to guardianship,
including a supported decision-making agreement under Texas Estates
Code, Chapter 1357, and other supports and services that may enable
the student to live independently. After the student reaches the age
of 18, except as provided by subsection (b) of this section, the school
district shall provide any notice required under IDEA, Part B, to
both the adult student and the parent.
(b) In accordance with 34 CFR, §300.520(a)(2),
and TEC, §29.017(a), all rights accorded to a parent under IDEA,
Part B, including the right to receive any notice required by IDEA,
Part B, will transfer to an 18-year-old student who is incarcerated
in an adult or juvenile state or local correctional institution, unless
the student's parent or other individual has been granted guardianship
of the student under Texas Estates Code, Title 3.
(c) In accordance with 34 CFR, §300.520(a)(3),
a school district must notify in writing the adult student and parent
of the transfer of parental rights, as described in subsections (a)
and (b) of this section, at the time the student reaches the age of
18. This notification is separate and distinct from the requirement
that the student's IEP include a statement relating to the transfer
of parental rights beginning at least one year before the student
reaches the age of 18. This notification is not required to contain
the elements of notice referenced in 34 CFR, §300.503, but must
include a statement that parental rights have transferred to the adult
student. Beginning with the 2018-2019 school year, the notice must
also include information and resources regarding guardianship, alternatives
to guardianship, including a supported decision-making agreement under
Texas Estates Code, Chapter 1357, and other supports and services
that may enable the student to live independently, and must provide
contact information for the parties to use in obtaining additional
information.
(d) A notice under IDEA, Part B, which is required
to be given to an adult student and parent does not create a right
for the parent to consent to or participate in the proposal or refusal
to which the notice relates. For example, a notice of an admission,
review, and dismissal (ARD) committee meeting does not constitute
invitation to, or create a right for, the parent to attend the meeting.
However, in accordance with 34 CFR, §300.321(a)(6), the adult
student or the school district may invite individuals who have knowledge
or special expertise regarding the student, including the parent.
(e) Nothing in this section prohibits a supported decision-making
agreement or a valid power of attorney from being executed by an individual
who holds rights under IDEA, Part B.
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